Australia is one of the most famous countries for skilled immigrants and is also one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in the world. There are six Australian states and two territories. If you’re dreaming of migrating to Australia but are not yet qualified for the skilled visa programs, the Subclass 491 visa may just be the solution you need.
Australia’s subclass 491 visa
It’s a regional provisional visa that allows the applicant to live and work in designated areas of Australia for up to 5 years, with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after 3 years.
The Subclass 491 visa is intended to promote regional development and address skill shortages in rural and remote areas. It’s perfect for individuals with in-demand skills and experience in industries such as agriculture, healthcare, mining, and hospitality. If the applicants meet the eligibility criteria and are willing to relocate to a regional area, this visa can be their pathway to a new life in Australia.
Subclass 491 visa requirements and eligibility
The eligibility criteria for this visa include:
- Invited to apply: Applicants must be invited by the Australian government to submit an expression of interest (EOI). The applicants can also notify the territory or state if an eligible family member is sponsoring them so that the territory or state will nominate them.
- Be nominated or sponsored: The applicants must submit an expression of interest to the state or territory government to be able to invite them for this visa. The applicant gets an approximate score by submitting an EOI, which might help the state or territory government nominate or get invited to apply during the invitation round if the applicant has mentioned that they will be sponsored by an eligible relative.
- The sponsor (an eligible relative) must fall under the below-mentioned criteria to sponsor the applicant:
- The sponsor must be over the age of 18.
- The sponsor must be either an Australian resident, a citizen, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The sponsor must reside in the designated areas of Australia.
- The sponsor can be the applicant’s eligible relative or the spouse’s eligible relative if the spouse is accompanying.
- The sponsor of the applicant can be any of the following for the government to approve the sponsorship:
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Siblings (brother, sister), step-siblings (step-brother, step-sister), adoptive siblings (adoptive brother, adoptive sister)
- Children or stepchildren
- Uncle, aunt, step-uncle, step-aunt, adoptive uncle, adoptive aunt
- Nephew, niece, step-nephew, step-niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece
- First cousin
- The Australian states and territories have their own eligibility criteria for being nominated.
- Age criteria: The applicant must be under 45 years old to be able to apply for this visa. The applicant can apply for the visa after being invited at 45 years old but cannot submit an EOI after turning 45 years old because the applicant might not be able to receive an invite.
- Ideal Skills Assessment: The applicant must have had an appropriate skills assessment during the invitation for the application to be valid, and the skills must have been acquired three years before the invitation. If the skills assessment was made based on an Australian study under an Australian study visa, the institution must be registered under CRICOS. This skills assessment copy must be attached along with the application form.
- Points-tested visa: The 491 visa is points-based. The applicant must obtain at least a minimum total of 65 points or more, depending on the EOI claim, to be invited under this visa. The documents supporting the EOI claims must be submitted. The applicant must fulfill the points-test system.
- English proficiency level: A competent level of English is required for the applicant during the invitation. If a secondary applicant is applying for this visa with the primary applicant, it is required that a second visa application charge be made or that the secondary applicant have a functional level of English.
- Eligible skilled occupations: A skilled regional (subclass 491) visa requires the applicant’s proposed occupation to be on the list of all eligible skilled jobs.
- Character and health needs: The applicant and family members accompanying them must meet their character and health requirements. Sometimes, the family of the applicant who is not accompanying also needs to provide the character and health requirements. Police clearance certificates (PCC) and medical clearance certificates (MCC) are generally given as proof of character and medical requirements, respectively.
- No previous visa refusals: The applicant must not have had any previous visa refusals or rejections. If so, the applicant might not be eligible for an invitation.
- Sign the Australian values statement.
The list of documents required for this visa is mentioned below:
- A valid passport
- National Identity Card
- Proof of character certificate: police clearance certificate (PCC)
- Proof of health certificate: Medical Clearance Certificate (MCC)
- English proficiency certificate (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced Test, OET)
- Partner/relationship documents (marriage, divorce, widow documents, including death certificate, if applicable)
- Skills Assessment Document
- Expression of Interest (EOI) documents
- Sponsor-related documents
- Nomination documents
Points allocation for Subclass 491 visa: skilled work regional (provisional) visa
The points are allocated under a points-test system depending on various factors such as the applicant’s age, education level, English proficiency level, employment type, and experience, the same as for the General Skilled Migrant Visa.
The points allocation for subclass visa 491 is as follows:
1. Age: The applicant must be under 45 to earn a maximum of 30 points.
2. Education Level: The maximum number of points earned by the candidate is 15 for the master’s or doctorate level of education.
3. Work Experience:
- The applicant earns 20 points with work experience in Australia.
- The applicant earns 15 points with work experience outside Australia.
4. English Proficiency Level (IELTS): The applicant earns a maximum total of 20 points.
The recent changes by the Australian government enable the applicants to obtain additional points if they meet the below-mentioned criteria:
5. STEM background: An additional 10 points can be gained by the applicant if they have qualifications in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
6. Spouse Factor:
-
- without a spouse (10 points).
- spouse or de facto partner with proficient English skills who is an Australian resident or citizen (10 points)
- spouse with proficient English skills but not an Australian resident or citizen (5 points).
7. State or Territory Nomination: The applicant must be sponsored by a family member living in Australia or be nominated by a state or territory to earn an additional 15 points.
Step-by-step procedure to apply for a Subclass 491 visa
Below are the following steps involved in applying for a Subclass 491 visa:
- Check the occupation list and take relevant skills assessments.
- The applicant must take the point test and obtain a minimum of at least 65 points on the grid.
- The applicant must submit an expression of interest (EOI).
- Receive an invitation to apply.
- Apply for a visa in ImmiAccount by providing accurate documents to support your EOI.
- After the applicants have applied for the visa, they are required to submit health, character, and biometrics.
- The applicant can add their family, children, or subsequent entrants.
- Obtain the visa outcome.
ALSO READ: Guide to Australia Permanent Residency Visa
Things that holders of Subclass 491 visas may do in Australia
Are you an applicant looking to immigrate to Australia? If so, the subclass 491 visa might be the right option for you! This visa has numerous advantages that can make your migration journey much smoother. The following activities are permissible for holders of subclass 491 visas:
- Priority processing: The subclass 491 visa has priority processing compared to other types of visas. This means the applicant’s application will be processed much faster than other applicants, making the migration process quicker.
- Pathway to permanent residency: This visa is a pathway to permanent residence in Australia. If the applicant complies with the visa conditions and lives and works in a designated regional area for at least three years, they will be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia.
- Extended stay: The visa offers an extended stay of up to 5 years, allowing the applicant ample time to settle and build a new life in Australia. The applicant can also apply for permanent residency after a certain period.
- Healthcare and education benefits: With this visa, the applicant and their family can enjoy subsidized healthcare services, including access to public hospitals.
- Access to regional areas: One of the most significant advantages of this visa is that it grants access to live, work, and study in regional areas of Australia.
- Unlimited Travel: Prior to the expiration of this visa, the applicant can travel outside Australia and enter multiple times.
- Sponsor family and relatives: With this visa, the applicant will be able to sponsor family members, including parents, siblings, grandparents, and other eligible relatives.
- Obtain financial assistance: Applicants can also apply for financial assistance for their children’s education and avail themselves of free education.
- Incentives and other benefits: Perks like incentives are provided to immigrants who stay for a longer period in designated areas or rural areas.
- Earn in Australian dollars: The applicants can earn in Australian dollars.
Conclusion
If you are an applicant who wants to migrate to Australia and explore its diverse culture, lifestyle, and work opportunities, a subclass 491 visa could be an excellent option for you.
In conclusion, the Australia subclass 491 visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers and their families to migrate to Australia. The visa not only offers job opportunities but also a chance to experience the Australian lifestyle and culture.
Contact our professionals to help you navigate the visa application process and kick-start your Australian journey today!
